Xi-Macron Call - CPC-United Russia Meeting - China's 5-Point Proposal on Gaza Situation - Extending China-Myanmar Economic Corridor to Sri Lanka? - Zhong Sheng on China-US Ties
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People's Daily’s edition on Tuesday, November 21, 2023.
Page 1: At the top of the page is a report on Xi Jinping’s phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron. Xinhua reports:
“As the year 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, both sides should pass the baton of history, stick to the original intention in establishing the diplomatic relations, carry forward the traditional friendship and push the China-France relations to a new level, Xi said during a telephone conversation with Macron. In the phone talks, Xi pointed out that since Macron's successful visit to China in April this year, China-France exchanges at all levels have resumed rapidly, and bilateral cooperation in various fields has made solid progress and achieved fruitful results. China is ready to maintain high-level exchanges with France, successfully hold the next meeting of the China-France high-level dialogue mechanism on people-to-people exchanges, push for new progress in bilateral cooperation in such areas as education, culture and scientific research, and promote friendly exchanges between the two peoples, Xi said. Applauding France's active participation in the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and the sixth China International Import Expo, Xi said China is glad to see the entry of an increasing number of French products into the Chinese market and welcomes more investment of French enterprises in China. China hopes France could provide a fair and non-discriminatory business environment for the investment of Chinese enterprises in France, he added.”
“Xi said China is ready to strengthen cooperation with France in the United Nations and other multilateral institutions. Noting that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the China-European Union (EU) comprehensive strategic partnership, Xi said China and the EU should remain partners for mutually beneficial cooperation in a volatile and intertwined world. It is hoped that France will play a constructive role in promoting the positive development of China-EU relations, he said. Highlighting that China and France have maintained sound cooperation on climate change, Xi said the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Dubai will take stock of the Paris Agreement for the first time, review and assess the progress of its implementation, and guide the future process of global climate governance. The institutional framework of the Paris Agreement, in particular the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and nationally determined contributions, should be upheld, he said. China stands ready to work with France in sending a strong signal of jointly addressing the issue of climate change, so as to prompt the success of the COP28, he added.”
As per Xinhua, Macron said that “under the current international situation, it is of great significance for France and China to maintain strategic communication and cooperation, he said, adding that the French side is willing to take the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between France and China next year as an opportunity to intensify high-level exchanges with China, and deepen exchanges and cooperation in such fields as economy, trade and aviation, as well as people-to-people and cultural exchanges. France hopes to communicate closely with China on the UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai and continuously cooperate to address global issues such as climate change and biodiversity protection, said the French president. Besides, France is ready to promote the further development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the EU and China in a spirit of mutual respect, mutual benefit and cooperation, he said. Exchanging views on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the two heads of state said it is imperative to avoid further deterioration of the Palestinian-Israeli situation, especially the emergence of a more serious humanitarian crisis. They agreed that the two-state solution is the fundamental way to solve the cycle of Palestinian-Israeli conflicts. The two heads of state also agreed to maintain communication on international and regional issues of common concern, and contribute to the maintenance of world peace and stability.”
Some context from AFP: “The phone call comes days ahead of a visit to China by French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna and as a delegation of top diplomats from the Palestinian Authority, Indonesia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Jordan meet in Beijing for talks aimed at a "de-escalation" of the conflict in Gaza.” Another AFP report says that Macron expressed “deep concern” to Xi about military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. “‘We would like for China to realise to what extent this is a problematic development for France and the entire European Union’, a French presidential official, who asked not to be named, told reporters after the call… ‘It (the cooperation) would naturally lead to fuelling the scope of the Russian aggression’ against Ukraine…”
Next, there’s a report on the exchange of congratulatory letters between Xi and Putin marking the 10th meeting of the dialogue mechanism between the ruling parties of China and Russia. Xinhua reports:
Xi said that “at present, changes unseen in a century are unfolding at an ever faster pace and the world has entered a new period of disorder and transformation. China-Russia relations have withstood the severe test of changes in the international landscape, maintained a high level of development, set an example of a new model of major-country relations, and played a more prominent strategic role in achieving global stability and development. Noting that next year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of China-Russia diplomatic ties, Xi said China is ready to work with Russia to grasp the general trend of history, firmly develop relations featuring permanent good-neighborly friendship, comprehensive strategic coordination and mutually beneficial cooperation, and vigorously promote the development and revitalization of both countries to inject more stability and positive energy into the world. Xi pointed out that the exchanges and cooperation between the CPC and the United Russia party form an important part of China-Russia relations in the new era, and the dialogue mechanism between the ruling parties of China and Russia has developed into a unique channel and platform for the two countries to consolidate political mutual trust, enhance strategic coordination and promote mutually beneficial cooperation. It is hoped that the two parties will take the 10th meeting of the dialogue mechanism as an opportunity to demonstrate the responsibility of major parties and countries, enrich exchanges in the new era, create a new situation of institutionalized exchanges and cooperation, and contribute more to the development of China-Russia relations in the new era, safeguarding international fairness and justice, and promoting the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, Xi said.”
Page 3 has a report on the meeting. ILD chief Li Jianchao led the Chinese side. He emphasised the importance of ‘Party + economics and trade’ and ‘Party + local’ cooperation. He also said that it is “hoped that the two sides will strengthen multilateral cooperation between political parties under the framework of the SCO and BRICS, promote the implementation of the three global initiatives, safeguard international fairness and justice, and promote the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind.”
The Russian readout informs that Chairman of the Supreme Council of the United Russia Party BV Gryzlov led the talks from the Russian side. It adds:
“The main attention was paid to the issues of socio-economic cooperation between Russia and China, joint opposition to neocolonialism, the role of party organizations in interregional cooperation, as well as the exchange of experience in party building. Following the meeting, a Protocol was signed on expanding and deepening cooperation between the United Russia Party and the Communist Party of China for 2024-2026, which reflects the main directions of inter-party cooperation within the framework of a comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction between the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China. In particular, the parties’ intention to promote the integration projects of the Eurasian Economic Union and the “One Belt, One Road” initiative, as well as to hold the sixth Business Forum ‘United Russia’ – the Communist Party of China with the participation of interested Russian and Chinese business structures, was fixed.”
Third, there’s a brief report confirming Xi’s attendance at the BRICS extraordinary virtual summit on the Palestinian-Israeli issue. Since we are on the subject, let me cover the outcomes of the visit of the joint delegation of foreign ministers from Arab and Islamic countries to Beijing. This is very briefly covered on Page 3. But the Foreign Ministry’s website has a detailed readout. It informs that the visiting delegation included:
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud
Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry
Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi
Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki
Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Hissein Brahim Taha
The readout then says:
Wang Yi said the fact that the delegation chose China as the first leg of their tour for international mediation shows deep trust in China and embodies the fine tradition of mutual understanding and support between the two sides. China is a good friend and brother of Arab and Islamic countries. China has always firmly upheld the legitimate rights and interests of Arab and Islamic countries and firmly supported the just cause of the Palestinian people to restore their legitimate national rights and interests. In regard to this conflict, China has firmly stood on the side of justice and fairness, has been working hard to de-escalate the conflict, protect civilians, expand humanitarian aid, and prevent humanitarian disasters, and has been calling for a return to the two-state solution and the early settlement of the Palestinian question. Today marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Palestine. China appreciates Arab and Islamic countries for their active mediation efforts for peace, and stands ready to work with them to make unremitting efforts for an early ceasefire in Gaza, the easing of the humanitarian crisis, the release of the detainees and an early, comprehensive, just and enduring settlement of the Palestinian question.
The foreign ministers of Arab and Islamic countries present briefed Wang on the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit. They called for an “immediate ceasefire and cessation of hostilities, ensure unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid and supplies to Gaza, protect innocent Palestinian civilians and prevent the forced relocation of civilians in Gaza.” “They look forward to closer coordination with China to prevent the crisis from spreading, restart the peace talk process, promote the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the basis of the two-state solution, avoid a vicious cycle of violence for violence, and achieve enduring peace and stability in the Middle East. Arab and Islamic countries expect China to play a greater role in ending the Palestine-Israel conflict, resolving the Palestine-Israel issue and achieving fairness and justice.”
Wang Yi put forward China's proposal on addressing the current crisis in Gaza and resolving the Palestinian question:
“The pressing task now is to fully implement relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly and achieve an immediate ceasefire and cessation of hostilities…A ceasefire should be achieved as a top priority.”
“Parties concerned should earnestly abide by international law, especially international humanitarian law. China opposes any forced displacement and relocation of Palestinian civilians. Israel should stop its collective punishment of the people in Gaza and open humanitarian corridors as soon as possible to prevent a wider humanitarian disaster.”
“Wang Yi stressed that any arrangement concerning the future and destiny of Palestine must be based on the consent of the Palestinian people and accommodate the legitimate concerns of regional countries. Any solution to the current situation should not deviate from the two-state solution and should be conducive to regional peace and stability.”
“The UN Security Council should heed the call of Arab and Islamic countries and take responsible actions to de-escalate the situation. As the rotating presidency of the Security Council, China will continue to strengthen coordination with Arab and Islamic countries to build consensus and push for further meaningful actions by the Security Council on the situation in Gaza.”
“The way out is to implement the two-state solution and establish an independent Palestinian state. China calls for an early convening of an international peace conference with greater scale, scope and effectiveness, and a timetable and roadmap for this purpose. The Palestinian question is at the heart of the Middle East issue. Without a just settlement of the Palestinian question, there will be no enduring peace and stability in the Middle East. China will continue to stand firmly on the side of Arab and Islamic countries and on the side of international fairness and justice, and continue to make positive efforts to promote peace between Palestine and Israel and peace and stability in the Middle East.”
Back to Page 1 of the paper, while in Beijing, the visiting delegation also met with Vice President Han Zheng. Xinhua reports:
Han said that “China highly appreciates the peace efforts and the call for justice at the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit and supports the joint ministerial follow-up committee to play a greater role, Han said. ‘China is deeply concerned about the extremely grave humanitarian situation in Gaza and is speeding up emergency supplies and cash assistance to Gaza,’ Han said. As the rotating presidency of the Security Council this month, China will continue to work with Arab and Islamic countries to promote the full implementation of the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly and the Security Council and make unremitting efforts to realize a ceasefire, ease the humanitarian situation, and return to the two-state solution, Han said.”
Moving on, Ding Xuexiang and Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov jointly chaired the 10th meeting of the China-Russia Investment Cooperation Committee on Monday. Ding offered a four-point proposition:
First, both sides should enhance the planning and guidance for bilateral investment cooperation.
Second, jointly push for new progress in cooperation in key areas, strengthen support and guidance for enterprises of the two countries, and encourage willing, qualified and competent enterprises to strengthen cooperation.
Third, jointly open up new prospects for sub-national cooperation, promote regional complementarity, better coordinate trade, investment, channels and construction of platforms, and deepen practical cooperation on agricultural cooperation demonstration zones and transport infrastructure.
Fourth, jointly open up a new vision for long-term cooperation, continue to strengthen synergy and coordination, create a sound environment and promote bilateral investment cooperation.
This offered really nothing to chew on. The Russian readout says:
Andrei Belousov expects bilateral trade to hit $300 billion by 2030. “The amount of mutual transactions in national currencies between Russia and China is growing, with 95 percent of all transactions carried out in the rouble or the yuan. Investment cooperation between Russia and China is expanding. New joint investment projects in priority sectors such as automotive engineering, mining and the oil and gas industry, agriculture, logistics, and ICT are being initiated…new opportunities are opening for our Chinese partners to participate with large Russian oil and gas, petrochemical, and automotive engineering enterprises, as well as companies producing commodities, glass products, and construction materials…”
It adds: “The Russian delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, VEB.RF, the Russian Direct Investment Fund, Irkutsk Region Governor Igor Kobzev, Primorye Territory Governor Oleg Kozhemyako, as well as the heads of companies and business associations. Deputy Minister of Economic Development Vladimir Ilyichev, head of the secretariat of the Russian delegation, reviewed the activities of the commission secretariats and outlined further plans. New joint projects were selected, and a number of them were agreed upon for implementation. Mr Ilyichev noted that the final approval process for the updated plan for investment cooperation between Russia and China was currently underway; it is scheduled to be approved in 2024.”
Finally, there’s a report (English report) on Li Qiang chairing a meeting of the Central Financial Commission. The report informs that the meeting called for efforts to earnestly study and thoroughly implement the guiding principles of the speech by Xi Jinping at the central financial work conference. The meeting also reviewed and adopted a plan for the division of key tasks related to promoting high-quality financial development.
“The meeting stressed that efforts should be made to improve the quality of financial services for economic and social development, increase support for major strategies, key areas and weak links on the basis of maintaining a prudent monetary policy. More efforts should be made to promptly study and introduce specific policies and measures to do a good job in the areas of technology finance, green finance, inclusive finance, pension finance and digital finance. The meeting also highlighted the work to steadily promote the opening-up of the financial sector as well as its development and growth.”
“It is necessary to comprehensively strengthen financial supervision, tighten financial risk disposal responsibilities, strengthen inter-departmental coordination and linkage between departments at different levels, strengthen source control, deepen reform in related fields, improve risk prevention, early warning and disposal mechanisms, and jointly grasp the task of preventing and resolving risks. It is necessary to uphold the Party’s overall leadership over financial work, earnestly strengthen Party building in the financial system, give full play to the role of party organisations at all levels as the fighting fortresses, strengthen the construction of high-quality cadres and talents, strictly perform their duties and responsibilities in accordance with the requirements of the division of labour plan, and make every effort to promote the effectiveness of various tasks.” 要全面加强金融监管，压紧压实金融风险处置责任，加强部门协同和上下联动，在持续加大存量风险化解力度的同时，强化源头管控，深化相关领域改革，完善风险防范、预警和处置机制，共同把防范化解风险任务抓实抓好。要坚持党对金融工作的全面领导，切实加强金融系统党的建设，发挥各级党组织战斗堡垒作用，强化高素质干部人才队伍建设，按照分工方案要求严格履职尽责，全力推动各项任务落地见效.
Page 2: There’s a report on vice premier Zhang Guoqing’s comments at the 2023 China 5G+ Industrial Internet Conference in Wuhan, Hubei.
“On the new journey, we must thoroughly implement the industrial Internet innovation and development strategy, promote the deep integration of the digital economy and the real economy, and speed up industrial transformation and upgrades with digital, internet and intelligent technologies. It is necessary to further improve network infrastructure, build a solid foundation for key technologies, accelerate the popularisation of industry applications, optimise the industrial development ecology, strengthen network security management, and promote the high-quality development of the industrial Internet. We must keep a close eye on the trend of global technology industry changes, and continue to build new competitive advantages and strengthen new development momentum through openness and cooperation.” 新征程上，要深入实施工业互联网创新发展战略，促进数字经济和实体经济深度融合，带动工业数字化网络化智能化转型升级。要进一步完善网络基础设施，筑牢关键技术底座，加快行业应用普及，优化产业发展生态，加强网络安全管理，促进工业互联网高质量发展。要紧盯全球技术产业变革潮流，在开放和合作中不断构筑竞争新优势、壮大发展新动能.
Page 3: First, there’s a report on Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe meeting with visiting Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin. Xinhua said:
“Wickremesinghe thanked China for its long-term valuable support and assistance to Sri Lanka, saying that Sri Lanka firmly supports the joint Belt and Road construction, and encourages Chinese enterprises to invest in the country to promote the construction of Port City Colombo and Hambantota International Port. Sri Lanka strictly adheres to the one-China policy and hopes to deepen friendly exchanges and cooperation with China to promote Sri Lanka's socio-economic development, the president added. For her part, Shen said China attaches great importance to its relations with Sri Lanka, and is willing to work with the Sri Lankan side to earnestly implement the consensus reached between leaders of the two countries. Both sides should support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests, jointly promote high-quality Belt and Road construction, and work together to push for new progress in developing the China-Sri Lanka strategic cooperative partnership based on sincere mutual assistance and ever-lasting friendship, she said. Shen also met with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and Speaker of Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, respectively, on Monday.”
Ranil Wickremesinghe “expressed gratitude for China’s support to Sri Lanka, notably acknowledging their assistance in the country’s debt restructuring program. He extended sincere thanks to the Chinese President and the government for their invaluable support in this regard. Additionally, President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed Sri Lanka’s desire to augment cooperation between the two countries in the fields of tourism, sports and agriculture also highlighted that both the Hambantota Port and Port City are currently prepared for investment opportunities. The President also noted that countries such as Sri Lanka, participants in the Belt & Road initiative, are prepared to embark on the second phase of the initiative, which is expected to make a more substantial economic contribution. The President outlined the measures taken by Sri Lanka to access the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP, while further affirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to preserving the Indian Ocean as a free zone for navigation and ensuring it remains a peaceful region, free from global geopolitical rivalries.”
“The Chinese Special Envoy stated that China is also prioritizing the extension of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor to Sri Lanka. Additionally, both parties agreed to expedite the implementation of the China-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement.”
The Hindu’s report offers some more context: “Sri Lanka is attempting to finalise a debt treatment plan with its official creditors, so it can receive the second tranche of the International Monetary Fund’s nearly $ 3 billion-package for economic recovery, following last year’s crisis. China has decided to stay out of the official creditors’ platform and remains an observer in deliberations with India and Paris Club members, including Japan, who have sought creditor parity. Last month, the IMF said that securing an agreement with official creditors is a ‘critical next step’ for Sri Lanka.”
Second, there’s a report on Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong meeting with Zambia’s Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimbu. The report says:
Wang said that “it is hoped that the two sides will implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, carry out practical cooperation in the fields of BRI security, combating transnational crime, and law enforcement capacity building, and promote the development of bilateral relations to a higher level and wider areas. Mwiimbu expressed his willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation, deepen law enforcement exchanges, and firmly safeguard the common interests of the two countries.” 希望双方落实好两国元首重要共识，在共建“一带一路”安保、打击跨国犯罪、执法能力建设等领域开展务实合作，推动两国关系朝着更高水平、更广领域发展。姆温布表示，愿加强团结协作，深化执法交流，坚定维护好两国共同利益.
Finally, there’s a new series of Zhong Sheng commentaries series on US-China ties. It broadly argues that the two sides should not “repeat the old history of confrontation and conflict between major powers:”. Rather, they “need to be partners” and function via “mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation” which is “the right choice for the future.” The article reiterates Xi’s “five pillars”. The rest of the article discusses pillar no. 1.
To remind you, the first pillar is: “China and the United States should jointly develop a right perception. China is consistently committed to having a stable, healthy and sustainable relationship with the United States, and China has interests that must be safeguarded, principles that must be upheld, and red lines that must not be crossed. It is hoped that the two countries can be partners, respect each other and coexist peacefully.”
The article reiterates Xi’s comments that: “China and the United States are two major countries with extensive common interests and shoulder important responsibilities for world and regional peace, stability, and prosperity. It is impossible for China and the US not to interact and engage with each other. It is unrealistic for one side to change the other, and conflict and confrontation will have unbearable consequences for both sides.” 中美是两个大国，拥有广泛共同利益，对世界和地区和平、稳定、繁荣都肩负重要责任。双方不打交道是不行的，想改变对方是不切实际的，冲突对抗的后果是谁都不能承受的.
“In recent years, Sino-US relations have encountered serious difficulties. The root cause of this stems from serious cognitive errors among certain people in the US in terms of their views of China and Sino-US relations. Some people in the US harbour a Cold War and zero-sum game mentality and insist on positioning China as the most important competitor and the most significant geopolitical challenge. This seriously distorts their understanding of China. Wrong understanding will inevitably lead to wrong policies, wrong actions, and wrong outcomes. If China and the US want to find the right way to get along, they must first jointly establish the correct understanding. With a correct understanding, the foundation for mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation can be laid. As the Euronews website pointed out when reporting on the meeting between the Chinese and American presidents in San Francisco, it is almost an ‘obligation’ for China and the United States to live in harmony, or at least understand each other.” 近年来，中美关系遭遇严峻困难，根源在于美方一些人看待中国、看待中美关系时存在严重认知错误.美国一些人抱持冷战和零和博弈思维，执意将中方定位为最主要竞争对手、最重大地缘政治挑战，严重扭曲对华认知。错误的认知，必然导致错误的政策、采取错误的行动、产生错误的结果。中美要找到正确相处之道，首先要共同树立正确认知。有了正确认知，相互尊重、和平共处、合作共赢才有基础。正如欧洲新闻电视台网站在报道中美元首旧金山会晤时所指出的，中美和睦相处，或者至少互相理解，对两国来说几乎是一种“义务”.
To jointly establish a correct understanding, we must accurately grasp our respective strategic intentions. President Xi Jinping pointed out that China’s development follows its own logic and laws, and it is comprehensively promoting the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese-style modernization. China does not follow the old path of colonisation and plunder, does not pursue the crooked path of a strong country seeking hegemony, and neither does it engage in exporting ideology.China has no plans to surpass or unseat the United States, and the US should not scheme to suppress and contain China. China’s policy towards the United States is consistent and committed to building a stable, healthy and sustainable Sino-US relationship. China never bets against the United States, and never interferes in its internal affairs. China has no intention to challenge the United States or to unseat it. Instead, we will be glad to see a confident, open, ever-growing and prosperous United States. Likewise, the United States should not bet against China, or interfere in China's internal affairs. It should instead welcome a peaceful, stable and prosperous China. 共同树立正确认知，就要准确把握各自战略意图。习近平主席指出，中国的发展有自身的逻辑和规律，中国正在以中国式现代化全面推进中华民族伟大复兴，中国不走殖民掠夺的老路，不走国强必霸的歪路，也不搞意识形态输出。中国没有超越或者取代美国的规划，美国也不要有打压遏制中国的打算。中方对美政策一以贯之，始终致力于构建稳定、健康、可持续的中美关系。中国从不赌美国输，从不干涉美国内政，也无意挑战和取代美国，乐见一个自信开放、发展繁荣的美国。同样，美国也不要赌中国输，不要干涉中国内政，应该欢迎一个和平、稳定、繁荣的中国.
In recent years, some people in the US have seriously misjudged and deliberately distorted China’s strategic intentions driven by their internal strategic anxieties. They insist on treating China, which insists on peaceful development, as an ‘imaginary enemy’ and engage in zero-sum contestation of ‘you lose, I win’ and foster a mentality of ‘your prosperity is my decline’, and go further down the wrong path. To prevent the giant ship of China-US relations from drifting, stalling, or colliding, we must first eliminate this seriously wrong perception of China. To jointly establish a correct understanding, we must truly respect each other's legitimate rights and interests. China advocates win-win cooperation between China and the United States, but China has interests that must be safeguarded, principles that must be defended, and bottom lines that must be adhered to. In the past few decades, Sino-US relations have experienced ups and downs, and the US should have a clear understanding of this. The Taiwan issue has always been the most important and sensitive issue in Sino-US relations. The US should embody its stance of not supporting ‘Taiwan independence’ in concrete actions, stop arming Taiwan, and support China's peaceful reunification. China will realise reunification; this is unstoppable. In recent years, the US has vigorously implemented export controls, investment screening, and unilateral sanctions against China, which have seriously damaged China's legitimate interests and violated its commitment that it does ‘not seek to suppress and contain China's development’. China’s development is driven by innovation. Suppressing China's science and technology is to curb China's high-quality development and deprive the Chinese people of their right to development. The US should take China's concerns seriously, take action, lift unilateral sanctions, and provide a fair, just, and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese companies. 美国一些人近年来出于内心的战略焦虑，严重误判、刻意歪曲中国的战略意图，执意将坚持和平发展的中国视为“假想敌”，大搞你输我赢、你兴我衰的零和博弈，在错误的道路上越走越远。要让中美关系这艘巨轮不偏航、不失速、不碰撞，必须首先消除这种严重错误的对华认知。共同树立正确认知，就要切实尊重彼此正当权益。中国主张中美合作共赢，但中国有必须维护的利益、必须捍卫的原则、必须坚守的底线。过去几十年，中美关系经历风风雨雨，美方对这一点应有清楚了解。台湾问题始终是中美关系中最重要、最敏感的问题。美方应该将不支持“台独”的表态体现在具体行动上，停止武装台湾，支持中国和平统一。中国终将统一，也必然统一。近年来，美方大搞对华出口管制、投资审查、单边制裁，严重损害中方正当利益，也违背其“不寻求打压遏制中国发展”的承诺。中国的发展是以创新驱动的，打压中国科技就是遏制中国高质量发展，剥夺中国人民的发展权利。美方应严肃对待中方关切，采取行动，取消单边制裁，为中国企业提供公平、公正、非歧视的环境.
The next paragraph basically pushes back against the idea of the Thucydides Trap to describe China-US ties. It says: “The crux of the ‘Thucydides Trap’ lies in cognitive errors rather than objective conflicts of interest.”